Saturday, December 18, 2010

What's in a name....

With views like this one it's easy to see why they called this road Weald View Road. But the origins of some street names in Tonbridge are not quite as easy to decipher. Why, for example doesn't Mabledon Road end up at Mabledon? Why doesn't Bank Street have any banks on it? Why is Dry Hill so named. I'm sure there are countless other examples around town but in the meantime enjoy this snowy view of the North Downs....

7 comments:

Delia said...

As Bank Street is so close to the river it could be named after the river banks or wall.

I have been told that Dry Hill is simply what it says a Dry Hill and not prone to flooding.

Anonymous said...

In the late 19th century a short terraced street was built right on the edge of Tonbridge. The last road before leaving the town. They named it in french for some reason. Dernier Road (the french name for last)

Callum James said...

Mitre close, anything to do with the sports brand Mitre? I don't know...

Anonymous said...

Mitre close is named after the Bishops Mitre pub that use to be there.

Anonymous said...

Yes and the 'High' street is bit of a 'Low' place.

Anonymous said...

The Mitre Inn was never called the Bishops Mitre. Take a look on Ebay and you can find the Whitbread .The Mitre Inn, Tonbridge. for 99p.

What street was once known as Swan Lane?

Jeremy said...

Swan Lane is the old name for East Street - but surely Botany has to be the best steet name in Tonbrige.